Over the last two decades, Bangladesh has invested heavily in dredging projects to restore its waterways. The goal was to improve navigation, reduce road congestion, and lower transportation costs. However, an investigation reveals significant gaps between the government’s claims and the actual outcomes.
The Importance of River Dredging in Bangladesh
Navigable Waterways: A Critical Lifeline
Bangladesh boasts 24,000 kilometers (14,900 miles) of waterways, yet only 6,000 km (3,730 mi) are navigable by mechanized vessels during the monsoon season. This figure drops to just 3,800 km (2,360 mi) during the dry season, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).
The Vision Behind Dredging Projects
To address this issue, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and BIWTA launched a master plan in 2012. This plan aimed to dredge 178 rivers, creating 10,000 km (6,213 mi) of new waterways. Capital and maintenance dredging were prioritized to clear silt, deepen channels, and ensure year-round navigation.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Dredging Projects
The Case of Old Brahmaputra: Promises vs. Reality
A $231 million (27.63 billion takas) project to dredge 227 km (141 mi) of the Old Brahmaputra River between Jamalpur and Kishoreganj was touted as a flagship initiative. However, field investigations revealed little improvement in navigability.
Local residents report shallow waters, obstructed navigation, and environmental damage. Sirajul Islam, a farmer and boatman, lamented, “The water level remains too shallow for boats. Improper dredging has also harmed agricultural lands.”
Impacts on Local Communities
Dust pollution from improperly stored dredged sand has created respiratory issues, especially for children and the elderly. Farmers report crop damage due to sand dumping, while unpredictable water levels disrupt irrigation.
Challenges on Other Rivers: Dharla, Tulai, and Punarbhaba
Fishermen and Farmers Face Hardships
Along the Dharla, Tulai, and Punarbhaba rivers, communities share similar frustrations. Fishermen report reduced fish stocks due to insufficient water flow, while residents allege that dredging prioritizes sand extraction over restoring waterways.
Md. Al Amin, a Dharla riverbank resident, explained, “Rain washes the stored sand back into the river, filling it up again. The dredging methods provide no long-term benefits.”
The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route: Unrealized Potential
A Vital Economic Corridor
The Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, established in 1972, was designed to enhance trade between the two countries. Waterways are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to road transport, with significantly lower costs for moving goods.
Limited Use of Protocol Routes
Despite these advantages, only three of the 11 declared routes are regularly used. Poor navigability, sediment buildup, and inadequate infrastructure for larger vessels deter cargo operators, limiting the route’s economic potential.
Why Dredging Efforts Are Falling Short
Sediment Management Challenges
Bangladesh’s rivers carry an estimated 2.4 billion tons of sediment annually. Experts argue that current dredging practices are not scientifically sound, often targeting easier-to-dredge sections while ignoring critical dry areas and river confluences.
Inefficient Dredging Practices
Saiful Alam, former director general of WARPO, criticized the practice of dumping dredged sand on riverbanks, which washes back into the waterways during rains. This cycle wastes resources without achieving lasting results.
Expert Recommendations for Sustainable River Management
Comprehensive Solutions for Waterway Restoration
Hydrology expert Ainun Nishat emphasized the need for integrated river management. Beyond dredging, maintaining channels, protecting embankments, and implementing scientific methods are essential for sustainable waterways.
Conclusion: The Way Forward for Bangladesh’s Rivers
Bangladesh’s ambitious dredging projects have yet to deliver their promised benefits. Poor planning, environmental impacts, and ineffective implementation have left communities struggling with shallow waters, damaged farmlands, and health issues. To truly harness the potential of its waterways, Bangladesh must adopt a more scientific and holistic approach to river management.